Where you can fly your drone will depend upon the following:
- The weight of your drone
- Your remote pilot qualifications
However, it should first be mentioned that they are some areas where all drones cannot be flown without permission. These include restricted airspace and Flight Restriction Zones that surround aerodromes. A map displaying these ’No Fly’ zones can be found here:
Aside from restricted airspace and Flight Restriction Zones, here is where you can fly your drone:
If you have no qualifications:
| Drone with a flying weight of less than 250 grams (A1 Subcategory) | |
|---|---|
| Area/People | Distance that the drone must be kept away |
| Commercial Area | No minimum distance |
| Industrial Area | No minimum distance |
| Recreational Area | No minimum distance |
| Residential Area | No minimum distance |
| Uninvolved People | No minimum distance Can be intentionally overflown if they are not endangered |
Note: People and property must not be endangered. Privacy laws must be adhered to.
| Drone with a flying weight of between 250 grams and 25kg (A3 Subcategory) | |
|---|---|
| Area/People | Distance that the drone must be kept away |
| Commercial Area | 150 metres |
| Industrial Area | 150 metres |
| Recreational Area | 150 metres |
| Residential Area | 150 metres |
| Uninvolved People | 50 metres horizontal |
With an A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC)
| Drone with a flying weight of between 250 grams and 499 grams (A1 Subcategory) | |
|---|---|
| Area/People | Distance that the drone must be kept away |
| Commercial Area | No minimum distance |
| Industrial Area | No minimum distance |
| Recreational Area | No minimum distance |
| Residential Area | No minimum distance |
| Uninvolved People | No minimum distance Can be accidentally overflown |
| Drone with a flying weight of between 5oo grams and 1.999 kg (A2 Subcategory) | |
|---|---|
| Area/People | Distance that the drone must be kept away |
| Commercial Area | No minimum distance |
| Industrial Area | No minimum distance |
| Recreational Area | No minimum distance |
| Residential Area | No minimum distance |
| Uninvolved People | 50 metres horizontal |
With a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC)
| Drone with a flying weight of less than 25kg (Specific Category) | |
|---|---|
| Area/People | Distance that the drone must be kept away |
| Commercial Area | No minimum distance |
| Industrial Area | No minimum distance |
| Recreational Area | No minimum distance |
| Residential Area | No minimum distance |
| Uninvolved People | 50 metre bubble during operation 30 metre horizontal distance during take-off and landing Can be intentionally overflown if they are not endangered |
The benefits of operating a drone with a qualification should be clear, especially when the drone has a flying weight of 250 grams or more.
Being able to fly within commercial, industrial, recreation and residential areas means you can fly more easily. This enables you to fly in your local park, playing field or sports field, on a beach, close to any shops or areas of industry, and close to homes, including your own. You simply have to ensure you keep the designated distance away from uninvolved people and ensure that you do not endanger any person or property.
If you want to unlock your flying potential, why not enroll on one of our remote pilot qualification courses:
https://ired.co.uk/drone-training/
Why not speak to one of our experienced instructors to find out more.
